Mozambique produced a dramatic late stoppage-time equalizer to go into the interval level at 1-1 against Group J heavyweights Senegal in their Africa Cup of Nations Round 1 opener.
Despite Senegal controlling the lion’s share of early possession (63%), Mozambique’s resolute defense kept the favorites at bay during a frantic opening half hour. The physical nature of the contest flared up mid-way through the half, with Mozambique’s Witi receiving the match’s first yellow card for a rough foul in the 29th minute.
Senegal capitalized on their territorial dominance shortly after.
In the 32nd minute, forward Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock, finishing off a well-worked assist from Abdallah Sima to put the Lions of Teranga 1-0 ahead.
Mozambique continued to struggle with discipline under Senegal’s pressure, earning a second yellow card in the 38th minute when Guima was booked for a reckless challenge.
Just as Senegal seemed set to head into the dressing rooms with a comfortable lead, the match took an unexpected twist deep into first-half injury time. In the 45+2nd minute, Witi set up Geny Catamo, who found the back of the net to stun Senegal and bring Mozambique back on even terms right at the referee’s whistle.
With the score tied 1-1 at half-time and match odds shifting wildly, both sides head into the second half with everything left to play for in Group J.
